SRINAGAR: J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said that the successful G20 meeting in Kashmir has given a big lesson to trouble makers.

The three-day Tourism G20 Working Group meeting- which was the first major international event in Jammu and Kashmir since August 2019, concluded in Srinagar on May 25. The meeting was attended by around 60 foreign delegates.

“The holding of a successful G20 event is a moment of pride for the country. It is also a big lesson for those people who always try to create trouble in J&K,” he said while addressing a World Milk Day programme in Srinagar.

Sinha said the main reason for the successful conduct of the G20 event was that J&K has changed after 2019- when the erstwhile state’s special status was scrapped.

“People of J&K showed their enthusiasm toward the G20 event and the main reason for it is that after 2019 under the leadership of Prime Minister, J&K has changed. ..The confidence of people in administration and Prime Ministerji has increased and J&K has moved ahead,” he said.

Lieutenant Governor Sinha said the places in Kashmir which were known for violence are now hosting Tiranga rallies.

“The places like Shopian and Pulwama which were known for other reasons now host Tiranga rallies and over 10,000 people participate and shout bhart mata ki jai. This is the change J&K has seen in the last three years,” he said.

On World Milk Day, Sinha said the J&K will be milk surplus in the coming five years as they have embarked on a journey of holistic development and this sector remains at the centrestage. He said the dairy sector has the potential to boost other sectors also.

“The implementation of Kisan Samparak Scheme has uplifted our marginal farmers and given a boost to our agri sector. It has not only helped in increasing the average productivity but also helped in creating more and more jobs,” he added.

The Chief Guest Parshottam Rupala, Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India mentioned that India’s dairy sector is growing rapidly due to the combined contributions of all the stakeholders. The minister said that the government aims to ensure the growth of the livestock sector by increasing farmers' access to animal health and credit services.

Rupala inaugurated a Book on “3Fs (feed, fodder & feeding) for sustainable dairy production” and Training of A-HELP for 2023-24.

More than 500 farmers participated in the event. The achievements of the department Farmer oriented information were showcased through stalls. (UNI)

SRINAGAR:  Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said the successful conduct of G20 meeting in Srinagar is the sign of a new dawn that is sending good signals to Indians as well as the whole world.

Addressing a gathering after inaugurating several projects in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district today Lieutenant Governor said that the name of Jammu and Kashmir is not only now famous in India but taken all over the world.

“The successful conduct of G20 Tourism working Group meeting in Srinagar is the sign of a new dawn and which provides good signals not only to India but the whole world”, Lieutenant Governor said.

He said with the successful conduct of the G20 meeting not only the time has changed but the myth of progress is also changing now.

The Lieutenant Governor said that 57 delegates of 27 countries who were in Srinagar for the three day meeting had developed a new spirit and self-respect among the people.
“And the time has come now that the news dreams of 1.30 cr people of Jammu and Kashmir would become true for that G20 meeting has generated a new hope”, he added.

He said the Jammu and Kashmir and different sectors of tourism will see a new rise after the successful conduction of the G20 meeting.

“I assure you the administration of Jammu and Kashmir without any discrimination will take care of the aspirations of every one”, the Lieutenant Governor said.

He said those people who participated overwhelmingly in the G20 meeting, supporting the administration is the sign of their aspiration and resolutions. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: Bharatiya Janata Party General Secretary Ashok Kaul on Thursday said after the abrogation of Article 370 the holding of the G20 meeting in Srinagar became possible and that proves the situation in Kashmir has entirely improved.

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar on Thursday Kaul said, “after the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, we have been able to convince the whole world about how much the situation has changed by holding the 3rd G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Srinagar.
Kaul said the countries who have issued travel advisory for their citizens regarding Jammu and Kashmir are likely to end after participating in the G20 meeting here.
He said the G20 meeting has concluded peacefully and amicably and for this the present administration of Jammu and Kashmir deserves all praise and congratulations.
He said with the abrogation of Article 370 it has been made possible that now international meetings are being held in Kashmir.
Kaul said the G20 delegates went to refurbished and first wireless market Polio View in the heart of the and shopped there amid congenial atmospheres.
“Thanks to the G20 meeting, we were able to tell the whole world that the situation in Kashmir has now completely returned to normal”, Kaul said.
In response to a question about the non-participation of some countries in the G20 meeting, Ashok Kaul said
“it was their own thinking and problem”. He said the delegates of almost all the countries participated in the Srinagar meeting.
He informed that in this meeting global leaders gathered, delegates also discussed with businessmen and members of Kashmir civil society, he said and added holding the G20 Summit in Kashmir is a historic initiative and we are extremely grateful to the Central Government for this.
In response to a question about whether the current situation in Pakistan a negative impact on Jammu and Kashmir will have, Kaul said that “it will not have any impact”.
He said when the situation in Sri Lanka deteriorated, the present government helped them. prime minister Narendra Modi wants better relations with neighboring countries including Pakistan, he added. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: The Director General of Police Dilbag Singh has complimented the public and congratulated police and security forces for the successful culmination of three day G20 event here.

“Historic three Day G20 event (May 22-24) comes to an end with delegates taking a flight back and leaving behind all good memories to be cherished by the people of Jammu and Kashmir for long. This event has opened new vistas and hopes, denouncing many myths and fake anti-Kashmir and anti-peace narratives based on falsehood and propagated by our neighbouring country”, reads a statement issued here.

“People of Kashmir deserve special compliments for seeing through the falsehood of Pak narratives and welcoming and participating in the event in every way wholeheartedly. The delegates not only enjoyed the beauty of Kashmir but also lauded the local people and their hospitality.”

“The security arrangements made for the event were least obtrusive, ensuring full normal life and business for the people. Traffic throughout and all business activity went on throughout without any inconvenience on account of security.  People fully cooperated with police/security forces, traffic and security regulations for which DGP thanked them”, reads the statement.

“This G-20 event became a people's event who showcased local art/craft and traditions of hospitality to world’s guests who went around to important places of tourist attraction including visit to world famous Nishat Bagh, Parimahal, Shakara Riding in Dal Lake and shopping in polo view.”

“Police/security forces arrangement was people friendly. DGP thanked and congratulated all ranks of Police/CAPFs and other agencies involved in the duties for the G20 for the excellent work done by them over the last three day in ensuring a smooth and secure G20 event here in Kashmir”, reads the statement further. (GNS)

G20 working group meet ends in Srinagar

Srinagar, May 24 (UNI)The third Tourism G20 Working Group (TWG) meeting concluded in Srinagar on Wednesday, officials said.

On the last day of the three day meet, the foreign delegates of the G20 nations went sightseeing amid rain.

The three day G20 meet, which was the first major international event in Jammu and Kashmir since August 2019, when the erstwhile state's special status was scrapped, had begun on Monday amid unprecedented security cover. Around 60 foreign delegates attended the meeting in Srinagar.

On Wednesday morning, the delegates started the day with a session of yoga. Later, they visited Nishat Garden and Royal Spring Golf Course (RSGC) in the foothills of Zabarwan mountain range. At Nishat Garden, several women delegates wore traditional Kashmiri attire.

“Experiencing the alluring beauty of the different locales of Srinagar. The G20 delegates visited the 12 terraced beautiful Nishat garden on the banks of the quaint Dal Lake on the 3rd day of the 3rd #G20 TWG meeting at Srinagar,” the union Ministry of Tourism said in a tweet.

At the scenic RSGC delegates and India’s G20 Sherpa, Amitabh Kant played golf. Kant termed the golf course one of best in the world.

“The delegates of 3rd G20 TWG enjoyed the pleasant morning, playing golf in the scenic Royal Spring Golf Course, one of the most scenic golf courses in the world nestled in the foothills of the magnificent Zabarwan range, overlooking the Dal Lake,” the Ministry of Tourism said.

Later the day the delegates visited the new looking Pole view market which is the first pedestrian and wire free market in Srinagar. Traffic restriction was in place during the visit of delegates to the market located in the heart of the city.

G-20 Sherpa hope that G20 guests who attended the meeting in Srinagar will become its ambassadors. “Every delegate has gone back with a fascinating memory and they will bring back a large number of visitors,” he said.

Three G20 member states including China, Saudi Arabia and Turkey stayed away from the tourism meeting. (UNI) 

SRINAGAR: The delegates from different G-20 countries have arrived at Srinagar on Monday to attend the 3rd Tourism Working Group Meeting, here at SKICC.

According to the news agency, (KNO), the delegates after arriving at Srinagar international airport straightly drove to SKICC where the discussion and deliberations on the five key priority areas namely Green Tourism, Digitalization, Skills, MSMEs and Destination Management. 

The highest number of delegates are visiting from Singapore, reports quoting officials said.

Tight security arrangements have been made in and around Dal Lake to ensure smooth and peaceful conduct of the meeting while Marine Commandos, Army, CRPF and other security personnel have been deployed around the venue.

Moreover, the road leading to the venue will remain closed for the vehicular movement for two days as the traffic police have issued an advisory, appealing people to adopt an alternate route. (KNO)

SRINAGAR: Amid extremely tight security, Srinagar has been decked up for the third G20 Tourism working group from May 22.
This is the first major international event being hosted in Jammu and Kashmir since its special status was scrapped in 2019 and the erstwhile state was downgraded into two union territories.

G20 comprises Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union.

Senior officials said three countries, China, Turkey and Saudi Arabia had not registered till Friday for participation in the three-day G20 event in Kashmir.

The security has been strengthened around Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar- the venue for the Meeting from Monday. The officials said the SKICC, on the banks of Dal Lake, has been refurbished. The road leading to the venue has been beautified under the ongoing Smart city projects. The delegates plan to travel to Gulmarg may be shelved, sources said

As part of the ground to air security cover, elite marine commandos and National Security Guards (NSG) have already been deployed in Srinagar for area domination and handling any militant threats. Police, Army and central armed police forces are maintaining round the clock surveillance . A three tier security is in place for the Meeting.

In Srinagar and adjoining Budgam, nearly a dozen schools have been closed as a precautionary measure.

A representative of J&K Private Schools Association said all several schools on Airport Road and the city centre had been closed for a week on government directions.

The security has been tightened also around the minority community resident pockets

The third G20 Tourism Working Group meeting will be held from May 22- 24.

Tourism secretary Arvind Singh on Friday said the stage is set for discussions and deliberations on final deliverables and there are two key deliverables of the Tourism Working Group, which include GOA Roadmap for Tourism as a vehicle for achieving sustainable development goals and G20 Tourism Ministers’ Declaration.

During this meeting, G20 member countries, invited countries, and international organizations will give valuable inputs and feedback on these two draft documents and after negotiations with G20 Member Countries on these drafts, final versions will be placed in the fourth Tourism Working Group meeting and Ministerial meeting.

The upcoming event is working on five inter-connected priority areas; green tourism, digitalisation, skills, tourism MSMEs and destination.

Singh said a side event on 'Film Tourism for Economic Growth and Cultural Preservation' will be organized on May 22 and 23 , focusing on strategies to promote film tourism.

"The event will witness the participation of G20 member countries, invited countries, international organizations, and industry stakeholders," he said, adding a draft 'National Strategy on Film Tourism' will be unveiled to provide a roadmap for harnessing the role of films in promoting tourist destinations. (UNI) 

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Saturday said that G-20 event commencing on May 22 in Srinagar will put Kashmir’s age-old hospitality on a display at international platforms and the event will help give a big boost to tourism and UT’s economy.

Talking to reporters after inaugurating the Riverfront on River Jehlum at Rajbagh, the LG as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that six-kilometre Riverfront has been completed and more is in the offing. “Srinagar is being developed on an international level. Free Wi-Fi Zones, Cycle tracks, walkways and cafes will come up shortly as a Library will also be opened in the city soon,” he said, adding that Srinagar city which is surrounded by water bodies will be a “smart city” by all means soon.

About the G-20 event, he said people and the J&K administration have finalized all arrangements for the upcoming event commencing on May 22. “The event will help put the age-old hospitality of Kashmir on a display at the international platform. The event will send a message across the globe about Kashmir’s beauty and hospitality which ultimately will result in more tourist arrivals. We are hopeful that the successful G-20 event will help give a big push to  J&K’s economy,” the LG said.  

The LG thanked Prime Minister Narendera Modi for choosing J&K for the grand event. Pertinently, G-20 summit is being held in Kashmir for the first time under India’s presidency. (KNO)

SRINAGAR: Additional Director General of Police Kashmir Vijay Kumar on Friday issued advisory against some suspicious International mobile numbers, who are spreading rumours against the upcoming G20 Summit.

In a handout to GNS, the police said that the general public is advised to remain cautious towards some suspicious telecommunications and not to respond to any of the following numbers +44 7520 693559, +447418343648 and +44 7520 693134 ,+44 7418 343648 or any ISD number/virtual numbers which are spreading rumours regarding the upcoming G 20 event. 

According to police spokesman, the ADGP Kashmir said that these numbers are spreading anti national messages/propaganda and general public requested to remain alert towards such attempts and not to respond to any of such suspicious call. Citizen are requested that All such calls may be reported to Police. Cyber Police Kashmir has taken cognisance into this and investigations is going on. 

Moreover, if any person has any grievance or query related to the matter, he/she may contact Cyber Police station Kashmir or nearest Police Station, reads the statement. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: Four days ahead of the high profile G20 working group meeting on tourism, elite National Security Guards (NSG), also known as the ‘Black Cats’ and Marine Commandos (MARCOS) have been deployed in Srinagar to neutralise any security threat.

On Thursday, the Black Cats appeared at Srinagar’s historic Lal Chowk and took stock of the situation. The NSG accompanied by police and CRPF were seen going inside hotels at the Lal chowk.

“The NSG along with special operations group of J&K police have been deployed at several venues to counter fidayeen (suicide) attacks. They will also be responsible for countering any drone attacks,” officials said, adding “all security agencies are working in synergy.”

On Wedneday, marine commandos were deployed in Dal lake for the security of the G20 meeting at Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), from May 22 to 24. The marine commandoes have taken rounds of the Dal lake to counter militant threats.

Additional Director General of Police, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar said a three-tier security will be put in place for the G20 meeting.

“For air surveillance, anti-drone equipment is being set up. We are taking help from NSG and the army for the same..." Kumar said.

Kumar said that there will be no restrictions during the G20 meeting.

“Some people are spreading these rumors and they will be identified and brought to justice,” he said.

There is a possibility that the visiting foreign delegates of G20 nations may take boat rides in Dal Lake. The G20 delegates will be taken to the ski-resort of Gulmarg on May 24. The delegates will return to Delhi on May 25.


Apart from the deployment of elite commandoes, Police, Army, CRPF and SSB have stepped up security across the valley. In Srinagar, forces were seen frisking people and searching vehicles


The preparations are on war footing for the smooth conduct of G20 meet which is the first major international event in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

On Wednesday, the Jammu and Kashmir Police cautioned people against some international mobile phone numbers, which, it said, are being used to spread rumours about upcoming G20 events and anti-national messages. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: Director General of Police J&K Dilbag Singh on Wednesday chaired a high level joint security meeting here to review the security scenario of Kashmir for the forthcoming G20 event.

Special DG CID J&K R.R Swain, ADGP CRPF J&K, Nalin Prabhat, ADsGP SJM Gillani, Dr S. D. Singh Jamwal, M.K Sinha, Vijay Kumar, IGP BSF Ftr. Hqrs Kashmir Ashok Yadav, IG CRPF (Ops) Kashmir M.S Bhatia, IGP Traffic J&K Vikramjeet Singh, IGP Hqrs PHQ B S Tuti, BGS Ops 15th Corps Dahiya, DIsG Sujit Kumar, Shir Imtiaz Ismail Parray, Abdul Qayoom and Javid Iqbal Matoo, SSP Srinagar, SSP Budgam, AIsG of PHQ, SSP Security, SSP Traffic Srinagar besides Kashmir based IR/AP Commandants attended the meetings at PHQ. DIG North Kashmir Range, DIG South Kashmir Range, and all other District SSsP of Kashmir zone attended the meeting through video conferencing.
 
According to a police spokesperson, district SSsP and Range DIsG briefed him about the prevailing security scenario in their respective jurisdictions besides measures taken to ensure peaceful environment in the valley.

“Stressing for further strengthening the coordination among all the forces, DGP said that a close liaison must be maintained at every level to foil any attempt of troublemakers and strict action to be taken against any person involved,” the spokesperson said, adding, “He directed for increased patrolling and night domination to ensure that anti-peace elements are not given any chance to create any disturbance.”

The top police officer also stressed on maintaining alertness for which he advised placement of ‘nakas’ and joint patrolling to check the movement of anti-national elements especially on inter-district routes and in periphery.

“DGP stressed for ensuring all the possible measures to ensure security of vital installations and protected persons,” he said, adding, “DGP advised the officers that the security plans to be reviewed in view of changing circumstances and be executed on ground efficiently to foil any nefarious design of anti national elements.”

He stressed on strengthening both border and hinterland security grid and enjoined upon officers to focus on counter militant operations and to target the OGW network “if any”, the spokesperson said.

“He also stressed for strengthening measures for intelligence collection especially at ground level and its sharing among the forces.”

While reviewing the arrangements and deployment plans for the forthcoming G20 event, the spokesperson said that DGP discussed in detail all the arrangements to be made for smooth conduct of the event and directed officers to ensure that all the necessary arrangements are in place well in time”. “Emerging challenges and their counter measures were also threadbare discussed during the meeting,” he said in a statement to GNS.

 “Singh emphasized on coordinated security arrangements for the event among all the forces besides with civil administration.” DGP also stressed for reviewing all the arrangements jointly by all the stakeholders to ensure synergy and better coordination, he said.

DIG CKR alongwith SSP Srinagar, SSP Budgam, SSP Security & SSP Traffic City Srinagar gave detailed presentation regarding the deployment and security plans put in place for conduct of the event, the spokesperson added. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday alleged that ahead of the G20 Meeting, security agencies have unleashed an atmosphere of 'fear ' in Kashmir.

“Different security agencies have unleashed an atmosphere of fear by arresting the youth and conducting raids all across the Kashmir valley ahead of the G20 Meeting," Mufti told reporters here

The G20 meeting is going to be held next week for which the authorities are making all arrangements to conduct the event peacefully.

The former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister alleged that schools have been closed and shopkeepers are being directed to keep their shops open and security agencies are conducting random raids all across the Kashmir valley creating fear among the people.

“Everybody is being threatened in the Kashmir valley”, she said.

Mehbooba said: “BJP wants to represent Kashmir like a Trophy to give this impression to the world that everything is right in Kashmir. We all know what is right in Jammu and Kashmir”, she said.

She alleged that BJP is running its own agenda bypassing the constitution of the country.

She said that Article 370 was a bridge between the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of the country which BJP demolished and pushed the people of this state to the wall.

Regarding the movie “Kerala story”, she said unfortunately the BJP government is promoting such films which are spreading hatred in society.

She said the result of the movie was evident in Jammu medical college where students of a community were beaten mercilessly during the discussions on this film.

“BJP wants to fight people with each other on communal basis…first it was Kashmir Files and now The Kerala story”, she alleged.

She alleged that no hearing is taking place of those detainees who are languishing in jails of Jammu and Kashmir and outside. She said if in any case hearing starts in the court the authorities are not presenting the witnesses.

She said if PDP had resources :we will first fight for those youth who are languishing in jails of Jammu and Kashmir and outside for the past five years and their parents are not even in a position to at least visit their relatives. (UNI)